Beware of Lame Ducks

Politico’s like myself toss around the term “lame duck session” like everyone know what that means. Do you know what a ‘lame duck’ session means? Just in case you do not know let me explain it very quickly. A ‘lame duck’ session is the time between an election and the when newly elected representatives are inaugurated and seated.

Lame duck sessions are some politicians last chance to get something done before they leave office. This could also be the chance to change their opinion on a bill because they have already lost the election and they will not be held to that vote.

This is why we must be very cautious with this upcoming lame duck session. There will no doubt be changes in the U.S. House and possibly in the U.S. Senate. America is at a crossroads. When our current Legislators go back to Congress they have a monumental task in front of them and that is the Budget Control Act of 2011. Now it is commonly called Sequestration. These force budget cuts could have huge impact on the national economy and will hit New Hampshire hard.

Senator Shaheen called for bipartisan support to fix the sequestration issue.

“It’s not a deficit reduction plan. We need to see some action in Congress, and we need to see it this year. When we get back, I hope people will be focused on this in a way that will help us make progress.”

Senator Ayotte agrees,

“From the Pentagon to New Hampshire’s defense suppliers, there is broad agreement that sequestration would be devastating to our military, our national security, and our economy.”

So while the Senate is working to find real bipartisan solutions the US House is stuck in gridlock. Both Congressional Houses are blaming each other for locking up legislation. Congressman Guinta stated in his ‘Frankly Speaking’ editorial (8-2-12)

Here is an idea, quit blaming each other and start blaming yourselves. There are more issues on the horizon than just the budget control act. The livelihood of the US Postal Service is at risk as well. Yet we do not hear Congressman Guinta talking about the bill that has stalled in the House to correct their overfunding problem.

“Bipartisanship is alive and well in the Senate“, Shaheen said, “which managed to pass many significant pieces of legislation that have since languished in the House of Representatives, including reform of the U.S. Postal Service and an overhaul of the farm bill.”

If you like it share it!

Like this:

LikeLoading...

Related

Comments

comments

About Matt Murray

Matt Murray is the creator and an author on the NH Labor News. He is a union member and advocate for labor and progressive politics. He also works with other unions and members to help spread our message. Follow him on Twitter @NHLabor_News

Advertisement

Search The NH Labor News Older Posts

Advertise on the NH Labor News

NHLN Supported Charity

The Second Wind Foundation is a non-profit charity that donates 100% of their earnings. The organization is run by retired union activist and friend of the NHLN. Click the image above to go directly to their site to learn more.